Mr. Jackson is an advocate for Byesville, a businessman who played high school basketball and father

Published: December 26, 2010 3:00 AM

John LoweThe Daily JeffersonianBYESVILLE -- When it comes to community-minded activities, Jay Jackson is not one to sit back and wait for things to happen. A Byesville councilman and a manager for Walmart, Jackson is a catalyst -- especially when it comes to activities for youth and families."When I see there is a void, I try to put something together," he said.Among activities and events almost too numerous to list, Jackson has organized the Byesville Blast for last "five or six years."Last summer, he coordinated the Byesville Community Days. In the past year alone, he brought the Harlem Wizards to Meadowbrook High School and organized an Oktoberfest in the village and a homecoming pep rally at the Village Square. He helped with a food drive and organized a career exposition at the Stop 9 Church of Christ Youth Center.Jackson enjoys working with youth and has helped with the basketball program at Meadowbrook Middle School.Despite taking the initiative in bringing events to fruition, Jackson is quick to share credit."I couldn't do it by myself," he said. "I get a lot of help from family and friends and a lot of community support. It's definitely a team effort."I just try to bring people together and families together in a safe environment at a low cost."A native of Detroit, Jackson arrived in Guernsey County with his father, Fred, in 1993 when his father was transferred to the Cambridge Federal-Mogul plant. He enrolled at Cambridge High School and played basketball for a Gene Ford team.Upon graduation, he attended Ohio Valley University in Parkersburg, earning a degree after studying organizational business management. He then returned to Guernsey County."This is my hometown now," he said. "I can't think of a better place to raise a family. I moved here my junior year and it's been a storybook time ever since."After college, he became well known while working at the now defunct Kroger store on Southgate Parkway and now as a manager at Walmart.He is in his second term on Byesville council for which he serves as the park liaison.He is a current or former member of the Byesville Rotary, the Haven of Hope board of directors and the Byesville Community Civic Club. He also is an advisory member for the auto technology department of Mid-East Career and Technology Centers, Buffalo Campus.As a public servant, he tries to do whatever he can to help his constituents."Some [elected officials] don't like to hear complaints," Jackson said. "But I don't look at it that way. I feel it's my duty to try to solve a problem whether it's big or small."He learned that perspective from his father and his mother, Bobbette."My parents always told me to try to make a difference wherever you're at. They taught me to treat people the way I wanted to be treated."Jackson is a strong supporter of family values. He and his wife, Kelly, have seven children, ranging in age from 16 to 5: Jazmine, Jason, Zoe, Myah, Jade, Hannah and Trey.He said he also received tremendous support from his parents-in-law, Nancy Stroud and the late Terry Stroud.His value of family has led him to promote family-oriented events."I always try to improve things and put on events," he said. "It makes me happy to see people having fun."Attitude and respect are everything. That's what I try to teach my kids."Despite all that he has done for the community, Jackson believes that it is he who has been blessed by the community and by God."I thank God for allowing me to do these things," he said. "I appreciate the citizens of Byesville and Guernsey County."jlowe@daily-jeff.com